The Art Melt Preview Party offers first glances of Forum 35's annual juried art show -- the largest in the state -- and gives several of those artists the honor of taking home the exhibition's top awards. Among this year's winners were Jacob Broussard and Edward Pramuk, who received the previously announced Art Melt Art Legend Award.

The annual art event, now in its 11th year, was juried by Baton Rouge newcomer and the LSU Museum of Art curator Katie Pfohl, Contemporary Art Jacksonville curator Ben Thompson and co-owner and curator of the Leon Gallery in Denver, Colo., Eric Robert Dallimore. T

Pramuk will not officially receive his award until a Forum 35 event later this year, but he did thank the organization for its recognition of him.

"This is really a kick," he said. "You have to understand, when you're from Akron, Ohio, you don't dream of this award. ... What really got a kick from me is they decided to adopt me."

The festivities continue July 19 with Art Melt's evening arts festival featuring live music, dancers and other performers in conjunction with the public unveiling of the exhibition at the Capitol Park Museum. The exhibition will be on display through Aug. Aug. 28.